Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1887-12-07
Christ Before PLATE.

The original Of this picture, by Michael
Won Munkacsy, is n OF the grandest paint
ings that has been given to the world in
modern times. 1t covers about twenty by
thirty feet of canvas, the figures all being
life size. Everybody is familiar with the
story. The scene is early morning in tho
Pratorium or official residence of the
Roman governor at Jerusalem. The picture
is drawn from descriptions given in the New
Testament Of the appearance and trial OF
Christ before PLATE. 1t is there related that
"when he was accused of the priests and
elders, he answered. nothing" "And Plate
answered and said into them: What will
We that l shall do unto him whom We call
King of the Jews; and they cried out again,
Cruelty Him!'" In the center ofthe picture
is the figure OF the Saviour, with his hands
bound, erect, composed, gazing steadfastly
on the face of Plate. Around and behind
him crowd the rabble of Jerusalem, some
frantic, Others attracted by idle curiosity,
others apparently bent merely ON killing
time. In the immediate foreground 10 q
Roman soldier holding the mob in check
with the shaft of his spear. Pontius PLATE
ats as the representative OF Cesar on the
judgment throne. He is meditating and 10
greatly perplexed. He knows nothing
against Christ, but dare not resist the clamor
of the people. On the right of PLATE stands
Caiaphas, tho chief accuser of Christ, with
his arm extended toward the excited popu-
crowd with uplifted arms is q rufiian of the
lowest type. He is shouting Cruelty
Him Cruelty Him!" On the left of PLATE
cit two elders watching the proceedings with
deep interest. Between Christ and Caiaphas,
sitting ON q bench, is q rich banker looking
on with c~ontemptuous curiosity. Near him
10 a young rowdy leaning over the railing
and scoffing in the face Of Jesus. Perched
on q high stool by the side of the judgment
seat and resting his head against the wall,
Is a scribe. who views the scene with an air
of weary indifference. A Knot of old men
is seated in an angle of the room to the left
ofthe banker. They are apparently arguing
Christ's claim that he is the promised Mes
siah. COnspicu0usly raised above the heads
OF the crowd is seen a young mother with .
beautiful face, holding a child in her arms,
and looking at Jesus with tenderness and
compassion. Through the whole picture
are groups of figures and faces rejecting the
different emotions that animate each indi-
vidual. This picture was recently sold to
John Wannamaker, OF Philadelphia, for
$40, 900 in cash.
THE P~HoTo-ETCHINo OF CHRIST BEFORE PLATE.
This photo-etching of the Manhattan Art
Company is . facsimile of the original
picture, 2lx3O inches, and is considered the
most perfect reproduction of it that has
ever beer offered for sale. The lights and
shades are faithfully portrayed, and tho
beautiful life-like effects produced by the
original are preserved in this copy. Amy
person sending US $l.15 may receive the
WEEKLY Wisconsin, n year and this
splendid photo-etching free. CRANEA
AIkENs 4 CRAMER. Milwaukee. Wis
A WOMAN 10 cut. She never shows her
hand until she gets . handsome ring to 70